Did you know that 11% of the homeless
adult population are veterans?
Our vision is to end veteran homelessness while offering the dignity and respect that veterans deserve.
Demographics of Homeless Veterans
of individual homeless veterans
have disabilities
have serious mental illnesses
are age 51 or older, compared to
19% of non-veterans
In addition to the complex set of factors influencing all homelessness – extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care – a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, which are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. Additionally, military occupations and training are not always transferable to the civilian workforce, placing some veterans at a disadvantage when competing for employment.
A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol.
LVS is Committed to making a Difference
Since the inception of LVS it is amazing what we have accomplished. This has not been done alone. We have been tremendously helped by volunteers and community partners. We define success as a veteran who achieves the ability to live on his own in our community with access to resources that are critical for his stability. Our 90% success rate proves how, with the right help, despair can be transformed into real hope.
• To start we have meals served every day by volunteers. In a years time they serve 9,125 meals.
• We help our clients to get all the services they need. 100% of our clients get free transportation to the VA for all appointments.
• 45% are linked to services such as employment and benefits they so readily deserve.
• Over our existence we have served 442 clients and have housed 161 veterans.
• We have helped 120 clients find employment.
Our work will continue to be ongoing. WHY? Virginia is the fastest growing veteran population. 1 in 10 Virginians is a veteran. That is approximately 800,000 vets. Virginia ranks seventh in Veteran population in the nation and we are projected to be number 4 by 2020. By 2020 the only states with more vets will be California,Texas, and Florida. This tiny bit of information lets me know that our work will be needed for years to come!!